Out of this World Spaghetti & Meatballs

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil

3/4 cup chopped onion

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 (16 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes

3 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano, divided

1 dried bay leaf

salt and pepper to taste

1 pound ground round

1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked spaghetti

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, and cook the onion until lightly brown. Mix in 2 cloves garlic, and cook 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, 1/2 the oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer while preparing meatballs.

In a bowl, mix the ground round, bread crumbs, remaining oregano, remaining garlic, parsley, eggs, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Roll into 1 inch balls, and drop into the sauce. Cook 40 minutes in the sauce, or until internal temperature of meatballs reaches a minimum of 160 degrees F (72 degrees C).

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, and stir in the spaghetti. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti.

Frozen directions: Thaw in refrigerator, pour contents into a large pot and heat through, 15-20 minutes. (You may need to add a little water, the sauce is thick)